Simon Russell Beale Deserves the Fancams

As a devoted fan of both “House of the Dragon” and the captivating world of Westeros, I have been utterly enchanted by the enigmatic character of Ser Simon Strong, portrayed masterfully by the esteemed British actor Simon Russell Beale. His understated yet impactful presence on the show has left a lasting impression on me, and I cannot help but be in awe of his artistry and the richness of his life experience that he brings to this iconic role.


In simpler terms, Ser Simon Strong from “House of the Dragon” is known for standing up to Daemon Targaryen (portrayed by Matt Smith) on the show. However, his true diva behavior becomes apparent when you explore social media platforms like Twitter and TikTok. There, you’ll find a remixed version of the song “Let Me Think About It” by Fedde Le Grand and Ida Corr blasting during clips of Simon correcting Daemon. The use of the word “consort,” which is a pejorative term, adds an extra punch, similar to a powerful drop in dance music.

The understated humor in Simon’s performance as the knight from House Strong on “House of the Dragon” comes from his unassuming character. Unlike other leaders vying for control in the show, he doesn’t stand out with grandiose gestures or imposing presence. Instead, it’s his simple attire – the embroidered velvet sleeves and large chain – that attracts attention, despite living in a crumbling castle. Simon Russell Beale portrays this character as quiet and reflective, spending most of his screen time in peaceful moments rather than engaging in dragon battles or brandishing a sword. Yet, his subtle snarkiness has endeared him to audiences online, making him a beloved figure.

Audiences of “Game of Thrones” have consistently crowned new meme kings with surprising frequency. Often, these were not the young, flashy cast members but rather esteemed actors hailing from the British theatre and screen. Take, for instance, Dame Diana Rigg’s portrayal of Lady Olenna Tyrell, who fearlessly taunted the ruling Lannisters. Or consider Jonathan Pryce’s transformation into the menacing High Sparrow. My own favorite was Jim Broadbent’s Archmaester Ebrose, who unabashedly embraced “STYle.” Today, Simon Russell Beale is garnering similar attention for his role as Ser Simon Strong – Harrenhal’s drip lord and gracious host.

Beale isn’t just adored for his supporting roles in “The Death of Stalin” by Armando Iannucci and Terence Davies’s “Benediction,” but also hailed as a remarkable and iconic stage actor. His caliber is comparable to that of Ian McKellen or Michael Gambon, who are renowned for their exceptional performances on stage. Beale gained newfound recognition in the early 2000s by virtually redefining the role of Hamlet. For decades, theater enthusiasts have praised Beale’s talent, even before social media and publicity campaigns. Now, this validation is particularly satisfying to them.

Daemon, with his wit and humor, has become a fan favorite in “House of the Dragon” despite its heavy themes. He injects levity into the show, providing relief from the intense Targaryen battles. His bickering with Simon adds a self-aware touch, making the series more relatable. Previously portrayed as an unruly teenager, Daemon is now replaced by his nephew in causing chaos. In order to gain Harrenhal’s support for his campaign against the Greens, he must cooperate with Ser Simon, who isn’t making things easy. Viewers see Daemon either lost in a haunting dream or receiving a harsh lesson from Simon (or both). The anticipation for Beale’s appearance on the show, as shared by Smith himself, highlights his influence and popularity within the industry.

After three episodes before the end of season two, the show has set up an audience anticipation that when the second Beale appears, it’s his turn to take center stage and make a scene. Performing on such grand sets with heavy costumes can be challenging, but Beale’s extensive experience and meticulous acting skills enable characters like Simon to appear effortlessly engaging, enjoyable to watch, and simple to edit.

Read More

2024-07-22 19:34